When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. There are 2 main ways to get Medicare:
Option 1
Original Medicare: Add Medicare Supplement Plan and Part D Prescription Drug Plan
- Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and
Part B (Medical Insurance). - You can join a separate Medicare drug plan to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D).
- You can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S.
- To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your 20% coinsurance), you can also shop for and buy supplemental coverage.
Option 2
Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
- In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
- Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like vision, hearing, and dental services.
- The costs of these plans will differ by carrier, county of residence, and the plan you choose.
- To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be enrolled in Part A and Part B and also live in the plan’s service area. Once you enroll, your coverage will come from the Advantage plan
- Unlike Parts A and B, you don’t have to enroll in Medicare Part C at your Social Security office. This is because Part C is voluntary.
